EP3718732B1 - Method and device for manufacturing multicomponent plastic moulded articles - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for the production of multi-component plastic moldings, which combines the injection molding process, also referred to as injection molding (IM), for producing the base body from thermoplastic material and the partial or entire surface flooding with a reactive component mixture, such as polyurethane (PU), also known as Reactive Injection Molding (RIM), in a total cycle time that is independent of reaction time.

The RIM process is in the DE 10 2005 013 975 A1 described.

The successive implementation of the two injection molding processes and the RIM process itself is known. Parts produced by injection molding are characterized by high strength and a low material price compared to PU. PU can be used to produce high-quality, wear-resistant surfaces. For example, transparent PU can be used to create 3D effects on the surface of the item. By combining the two processes, it is possible to produce items of far higher quality in large series than with standard injection molding processes.

It is known that both processes are carried out spatially separated from one another in order to produce such multi-component parts. This meant that the injection molded parts had to be moved within a hall or premises or to another location. The associated logistical effort is considerable. A disadvantage is that the injection molded parts cool down and have to be warmed up again for the subsequent RIM process to achieve an optimal process temperature.

In order to minimize the logistics effort for production, solutions were developed to combine the two processes in one machine. The basis for this is similar to multi-component injection molding. However, the second injection unit is replaced by a RIM system.

• nach dem Herstellen des Grundkörpers in einer ersten Kavität des Spritzgießwerkzeuges öffnet die Spritzgießmaschine nach entsprechender Kühlzeit
• der Artikel verbleibt in der, dem späteren PU gegenüberliegenden Formseite des Spritzgießwerkzeug
• diese Formseite wird mit dem Rohteil in eine Position gegenüber der RIM-Formseite der zweiten Kavität für das RIM-Verfahren bewegt
• zugleich wird zur Bildung der ersten Kavität des Spritzgießens eine geleerte Formseite angeordnet bzw. bereitgestellt
• die Spritzgießmaschine schließt erneut, so dass sich die Kavitäten für das Spritzgießen und für das RIM-Verfahren bilden
• der Prozessschritt RIM kann nun erfolgen, parallel erfolgt das erneute Füllen der ersten Kavität des Spritzgießwerkzeugs mit Thermoplast
• nach dem Abschluss des Reaktionsprozess und der Kühlzeit öffnet die Spritzgießmaschine
• der Mehr-Komponentenartikel ist fertig und kann entnommen werden und der neue Grundkörper kann in eine Position für das RIM-Verfahren bewegt werden

The base body (raw part) is manufactured in the injection molding tool. For flooding, a new mold cavity is required that is adapted to the finished article or component. The process flow can be represented as follows:

• After producing the base body in a first cavity of the injection molding tool, the injection molding machine opens after an appropriate cooling time
• The article remains in the mold side of the injection molding tool opposite the later PU
• This mold side is moved with the blank into a position opposite the RIM mold side of the second cavity for the RIM process
• At the same time, an emptied mold side is arranged or provided to form the first cavity of the injection molding
• the injection molding machine closes again so that the cavities for injection molding and the RIM process are formed
• The RIM process step can now take place, at the same time the first cavity of the injection molding tool is filled again with thermoplastic
• After the reaction process and the cooling time have been completed, the injection molding machine opens
• the multi-component article is finished and can be removed and the new base body can be moved into a position for the RIM process

Special machine technology is required for this combination process. Either indexable plate or turntable machines or a sliding table device are used.

Insert machines are in the patents DE102006024481A1 and EP 2 004 380 B1 described.

A solution with a sliding table device is available DE 20 2016 104 347 U1 and a turntable device is in the US 2004/00094866 A1 disclosed.

Functionally, these solutions offer advantages. However, the relatively long response time of the RIM system, which can sometimes be a multiple of the injection molding cycle time, results in long overall cycle times and thus low machine efficiency. Another disadvantage is the much higher investment costs for such machines and the low availability of them in plastics processing companies.

Likewise is from the DE 10 2011 117 267 A1 a method for producing, in particular, injection-molded, coated molded parts and a device with a sliding table for carrying out the method are disclosed.

The DE 196 50 854 C1 discloses a method and apparatus for producing a multilayer plastic part, the apparatus comprising a rotatable base plate with two tool halves.

The DE 10 2007 051 701 A1 and the US 2003/0197307 A1 each disclose a method and a device for producing multi-component plastic molded parts using turntable technology.

The WO 2006/072366 A1 discloses a method and apparatus for molding and coating a substrate in a mold with at least two cavities.

From the US 3,898,030 A an injection molding machine with two injection molds is known, in which a second object can be produced in a second injection mold with one injection unit, while a first object previously injected with the same injection unit is still hardening in a first injection mold. At the in the US 3,898,030 A In the injection molding machine shown, a first and second injection mold is present, each comprising a fixed and a movable tool half, the fixed tool half of the first injection mold being arranged adjacent to the fixed tool half of the second injection mold. The movable tool half of the first injection molding tool is designed to be closable at the same time with the movable tool half of the second injection molding tool, the tool halves of the first injection molding tool being designed to be able to be coupled to one another independently of the second injection molding tool and the tool halves of the second injection molding tool being designed to be able to be coupled to one another independently of the first injection molding tool. The movable tool halves of both injection molding tools are designed to be movable for opening without or with the movable tool half of the other injection molding tool.

The object of the present invention is therefore to create a method and a device for producing multi-component plastic molded parts which allow the use of inexpensive, existing or common machine technology and compensate for the differences in the cycle time of the two sub-processes.

This problem is solved by a method with the features of claim 1 and with the device with the features of the independent claim 5 or 6.

This ensures that one, two or more RIM tools with tool halves are integrated into an injection molding system, which are arranged adjacent to the injection molding tool with an injection molding cavity or injection molding cavities.

By adjacent is meant that the RIM tool or tools respectively are arranged transversely or laterally on the right and/or left and/or above and/or below to or on the injection molding tool. Thus, adjacent is also understood to mean a radial arrangement to the closing direction, which includes the specified directions and their combination. The respective parting plane of the tool halves can lie in one plane. The parting planes of the tool halves can also be in different planes. When closing, the respective movable tool halves of the tools move in the same direction towards the respective fixed tool half of the tools. The invention described enables the use of a plastics processing standard machine, for example a standard injection molding machine with a RIM tool, in particular if the injection molding cycle time or the injection molding process time and the RIM cycle time or the RIM process time are the same or approximately the same and thus the two processes in the In the injection molding process, the blank and in the RIM process the component can be carried out one after the other with little or no waiting time, on the one hand, and on the other hand, the different processes can also take place simultaneously in the neighboring tools. The arrangement of the tools ensures short paths, especially for the blanks, in or on the standard plastics processing machine, which makes production more efficient.

The invention described further and also enables the use of a standard plastics processing machine, for example a standard injection molding machine, and by increasing the number of RIM tools, an increase in the efficiency of the machine. The optimal number for efficiency is calculated from the ratio between the injection molding cycle time and the RIM cycle time. The invention allows the injection molding tool and the RIM tool to be used independently of the RIM cycle time, without causing delays if one cycle had to wait for the end of the other cycle without being productive.

The invention offers the advantage that the generally better availability of simple 2-plate injection molding machines or standard injection molding machines can be used in companies and thus allows the use or conversion of inexpensive, existing or common machine technology.

An advantage of this invention is that the tool halves of the injection molding tool do not come into contact with the release agent required for the RIM process, depending on the components used in the RIM process. Depending on the components used for the RIM process, a release agent is required or is already included in the components of the RIM process. If a release agent is required, it is only used on the mold halves of the RIM process that are separate from the injection molding process. The disruptive load on the injection molding tool with the release agent is thus avoided.

In addition to the use of reactive components such as polyurethane (PU) for the process known as reactive injection molding (RIM), other reactive components or reactive component mixtures that react with one another can also be used.

A plastics processing machine can be, for example, an injection molding machine or a press that includes an injection molding unit.

For the purposes of this description, RIM tools or the injection molding tool include tool halves. The respective cavities are formed by tool halves.

The term blank is understood to mean the intermediate product produced in the injection molding process, on which the RIM process still has to take place.

A component or multi-component component or multi-component component or combined component is understood to mean the product manufactured by the injection molding process and the RIM processes, i.e. the finished product in relation to these processes.

Advantageous further developments and refinements of the invention are described in the subclaims.

By the respective closing or opening movable tool halves of the respective RIM tool preferably moving simultaneously with the movable tool half of the injection molding tool, the process can be simplified in such a way that the respective or corresponding movable tool halves are driven or operated via the plastics processing machine and a separate drive for the movable tool halves of the RIM tool is not required. The use or expansion of a standard injection molding machine is thereby favored or simplified.

However, if it turns out to be necessary to drive or operate the movable tool halves of the respective RIM tool separately, the tool halves can also be driven independently of the movable tool halves of the injection molding tool.

The movable tool halves of the respective RIM tool advantageously remain on the fixed tool half of the respective RIM tool, regardless of the opening movable tool half of the injection molding tool, in order to decouple the injection molding process from the RIM process as required.

The respective movable and fixed tool halves of the respective RIM tool form the respective RIM cavity or RIM cavities independently of the opening movable tool half of the injection molding tool and keep the respective RIM tool closed by, depending on the process step, the respective movable tool half of the respective RIM tool from the movable tool half of the injection molding tool or is decoupled from another structural element of the plastics processing machine.

The force-transmitting parts of the plastics processing machine come into consideration as constructive elements, which are able to carry the movable tool halves and to transmit the force necessary for the respective process sequence or for closing the tool halves of the respective tool and to change the position. This can be, for example, a clamping plate or a plate of the plastics processing machine.

Accordingly, the respective movable tool half of the respective RIM tool is coupled to the movable tool half of the injection molding tool or to another structural element of the plastics processing machine in order to reopen the movable tool half of the RIM tool in accordance with the process flow or to open the movable tool half to move accordingly.

The fixed or movable tool halves of the respective RIM tool are advantageously locked to form the respective RIM cavities, which means that the sustained operation of a drive or the plastics processing machine for reliably closing the tool halves of the respective RIM tool can be eliminated and further injection molding processes independent of the RIM can be eliminated process and the use of RIM tools can be continued or carried out.

Furthermore, the respective movable tool half of the respective RIM tool is advantageously coupled to the movable tool half of the injection molding tool or to another structural element of the plastics processing machine depending on the injection molding cycle time and RIM cycle time, whereby the movable tool half of the respective RIM tool without own drive or moves in a defined manner and the respective RIM tool is opened reliably.

By automatically moving the blank between and/or removing the component from or emptying the fixed or movable tool halves, the process is improved and the cycle times are shortened. The automation can be done, for example, using robots or other appropriate measures.

The respective blanks are advantageously inserted from one of the tool halves of the injection molding tool into one of the tool halves of the RIM tool, with the finished components being removed from the other tool halves of the RIM tool at the same time, which in particular further promotes the changing and removal process the overall process is shortened.

While for the injection molding process the plastic melt is injected into the injection molding cavity via the fixed tool half of the injection molding tool, as is known per se, for the RIM process the reactive component mixture can also be injected via the fixed tool half and, depending on the component and requirements, if necessary by appropriate Openings in the blank or, if suitable or necessary, are made via the movable tool half.

Because the fixed and movable tool halves of the respective RIM tool can be individually locked, the RIM process can be carried out independently of the injection molding process, making the overall process more efficient. In addition, because of the lower working pressures, the design requirements for the RIM tools or their tool halves for the RIM process are lower than for the injection molding process, so that the tool halves of the RIM tool are closed and locked or pressed together independently of the injection molding tool will and can be.

Because the respective movable tool halves of the RIM tool can be directly or indirectly coupled or connected to the movable tool half of the injection molding tool or to another structural element of the plastics processing machine, the design effort is reduced. In addition, standard plastics processing machines can be easily converted and the existing structural elements can be used or expanded or adapted with little effort.

In a further development, the movable tool halves of the RIM tools are arranged on one or each of their own clamping plates or base plates or on a clamping plate or base plate that is common to the movable tool half of the injection molding tool. This allows the design effort to be adjusted or minimized.

To open the respective RIM tool, the movable tool half of the RIM tool is offset or simultaneously with the movable tool half of the injection molding tool is movable, the structural design and the process are simplified depending on the requirements, since on the one hand different drives are avoided and the control and thus the process are simplified and on the other hand, in the case of an offset movement, the process times or cycle times are further optimized by a possibly necessary time offset in the control of the tool halves.

Using its own clamping plate, the design effort for holding and coupling the respective tool half of the RIM tool is reduced.

The common clamping plate in particular simplifies the setup process and the setup process.

By providing the RIM tools laterally and/or above or below, i.e. offset radially from the injection molding tool, the available space can be used efficiently and the distance to the injection molding tool can be minimized. The special design features and structure of the plastic processing machine must be taken into account. Particularly when moving the blanks or removing the component automatically, a collision-free arrangement of the RIM tool relative to one another and in relation to the injection molding tool must be taken into account.

By providing a non-positive and/or positive locking mechanism to lock the movable and fixed tool halves of the RIM tool, for example as a mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically driven wedge system or for example a magnetic locking mechanism, the individual requirements of the respective RIM tool can be met. Take the process and work pressure into account and simplify the design costs.

In a further development, the movable tool half of the at least one RIM tool can be detachably coupled to the clamping plate or base plate, with a force-fitting and/or positive coupling being provided, for example as a mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically driven coupling or, for example, a magnetic coupling , whereby the respective movable tool half is only opened after the RIM process has been completed or is not opened for and during the RIM process. This also promotes mutual independence and needs-based coupling of processes.

• Fig. 1 die perspektivische Ansicht einer Spritzgießmaschine mit einem Spritzguss-Werkzeug und zwei RIM-Werkzeugen,
• Fig. 2 die schematische Schnittdarstellung einer Spritzgießmaschine mit einem Spritzguss-Werkzeug und zwei RIM-Werkzeugen,
• Fig. 3 bis 12 schematische Schnittdarstellung einer Spritzgießmaschine mit einem Spritzguss-Werkzeug und zwei RIM-Werkzeugen in unterschiedlichen Taktzuständen,
• Fig. 13 die schematische Schnittdarstellung einer Spritzgießmaschine mit einem Spritzguss-Werkzeug und einem RIM-Werkzeug und
• Fig. 14 bis 17 schematische Schnittdarstellung einer Spritzgießmaschine mit einem Spritzguss-Werkzeug und ein RIM-Werkzeug in unterschiedlichen Taktzuständen.

Several exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and are described in more detail below. Show it:

• Fig. 1 the perspective view of an injection molding machine with an injection molding tool and two RIM tools,
• Fig. 2 the schematic sectional view of an injection molding machine with an injection molding tool and two RIM tools,
• Fig. 3 to 12 Schematic sectional view of an injection molding machine with an injection molding tool and two RIM tools in different cycle states,
• Fig. 13 the schematic sectional view of an injection molding machine with an injection molding tool and a RIM tool and
• Fig. 14 to 17 Schematic sectional view of an injection molding machine with an injection molding tool and a RIM tool in different cycle states.

A device according to the invention for producing multi-component plastic moldings is, as in Figure 1 shown, an injection molding tool 3 is present on a plastics processing machine 1 as an injection molding machine 1.

The plastics processing machine 1 as an injection molding machine 1 comprises a fixed plate 1.1 and a movable plate 1.2, which as a higher-level movement known per se can be moved and pressed onto the fixed plate 1.1 or moved away from it by means of hydraulic cylinders or an electric drive or another suitable linear drive and thus at least the injection molding tool 3, which includes a fixed tool half 3.1 and a movable tool half 3.2. The fixed tool half 3.1 is arranged on the fixed plate 1.1 and the movable tool half 3.2 is arranged on the movable plate 1.2. The fixed tool half 3.1 and the movable tool half 3.2 are arranged between the fixed plate 1.1 and the movable plate 1.2. By moving the movable plate 1.2 towards or away from the fixed plate 1.1, the movable tool half 3.2 is moved towards or away from the fixed tool half 3.1, whereby the injection molding tool 3 closes and opens depending on the process step.

However, the movement of the movable tool half 3.2 of the injection molding tool 3 is considered in a simplified manner.

Own or common clamping plates 4 or base plates 4 are arranged in particular on the movable plate 1.2 and follow their respective movements. This also applies to other structural elements of the plastic processing machine 1, which are arranged in particular on the movable plate 1.2.

Furthermore, in the specific exemplary embodiment there are two RIM tools 5, 6, each with a movable and a fixed tool half 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2. The fixed tool halves 5.1, 6.1 of the RIM tools 5, 6 are radially to the closing direction of the movable tool halves 3.2, 5.2, 6.2 adjacent to the fixed tool half 3.1 of the injection molding tool 3, i.e. at least laterally on both sides next to the fixed tool half 3.1 of the injection molding tool 3 arranged. The RIM tools 5, 6 can be provided offset above or below the injection molding tool 3 as necessary, not shown.

Accordingly, the respective movable tool halves 5.2, 6.2 of the RIM tools 5, 6 can also be moved towards and against one another and pressed or moved away from one another by the overarching movement of the movable plate 1.2, depending on the process step. In simplified terms, the respective or relevant movement of the respective movable tool halves 5.2, 6.2 of the RIM tools 5, 6, depending on the process step, is considered, if applicable, in relation to the movement of the movable tool half 3.2 of the injection molding tool 3.

Here, the movable tool halves 5.2, 6.2 of the RIM tools 5, 6 are designed to be closable at the same time as the movable tool half 3.2 of the injection molding tool 3. In addition, the RIM tools 5, 5 are designed to be lockable independently of the injection molding tool 3, so that on the one hand the respective RIM tools 5, 6 are and remain closed regardless of the position of the injection molding tool 3 or its movable tool half 3.2 and the movable tool half 3.2 of the injection molding tool 3 is moved to open without or with at least one of the movable tool halves 5.2, 6.2 of the RIM tools 5, 6.

This ensures that, depending on the process step and the time delay associated with the respective RIM process step compared to the injection molding process, the injection molding tool 3 alone or at least one of the movable tool halves 5.2, 6.2 of the RIM tools 5, 6 can be moved, provided the respective RIM process step enables or requires it. For this purpose, the fixed and movable tool halves 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2 of the respective RIM tools 5, 6 can be individually locked, so that on the one hand the fixed and movable tool halves 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2 lock with one another or on one another and thus remain locked regardless of the injection molding process and the respective RIM cavity remains closed for the RIM process step.

The locking 13 in the parting plane of the movable and fixed tool halves 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2 of the respective RIM tools 5, 6 can be electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic or a magnetic locking 13, which are the movable ones, depending on the respective process conditions and fixed tool halves 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2 as required and reliably absorb the forces during the RIM process, which arise from the filling pressure and the area of the cavity and keep the corresponding movable and fixed tool halves 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2 closed. The locking 13 or the locking system of the fixed and movable tool halves 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2 of the RIM tools 5, 6 mold division can be achieved by means of a mechanically driven wedge system or a hydraulically driven wedge system or a pneumatically driven wedge system or an electrically driven wedge system or by means of Implement electromagnets.

It is envisaged that the respective movable tool halves 5.2, 6.2 of the RIM tools 5, 6 are coupled to the movable tool half 3.2 of the injection molding tool 3, so that the respective movable tool halves 5.2, 6.2 of the RIM tools 5, 6 depending on Process step can be moved together with movable tool half 3.2 of the injection molding tool 3 for opening and closing. Depending on the structure of the plastics processing machine 1, the respective movable tool halves 5.2, 6.2 of the RIM tools 5, 6 can also be coupled to another structural element of the plastics processing machine 1, which enables the respective opening and closing. The coupling 14 of the respective movable tool halves 5.2, 6.2 of the RIM tools 5, 6 with the movable tool half 3.2 of the injection molding tool 3 can be carried out indirectly, for example on a clamping plate 4 or base plate 4 or directly on one another.

The respective movable tool half 5.2, 6.2 of the respective RIM tools 5, 6 is detachably coupled to the respective clamping plate 4 or base plate 4 with a mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic or electrically driven coupling 14 or with a magnetic coupling 14, thereby ensuring reliable opening of the respective RIM tools 5, 6 and a defined position of the opened respective movable tool half 5.2, 6.2 of the respective RIM tools 5, 6 must be taken into account.

A coupling 14 of the respective movable tool half 5.2, 6.2 of the respective RIM tools 5, 6 with the movable tool half 3.2 of the injection molding tool 3 is also possible with a mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic or electrically driven coupling 14 or with a magnetic coupling 14. The coupling system 14 for coupling and decoupling the movable tool half 5.2, 6.2 on the respective clamping plate 4 can be operated or carried out with a mechanical system, a hydraulically driven system, a pneumatically driven system, an electrically driven system or with an electromagnet.

To simplify the device, the respective movable tool halves 5.2, 6.2 of the RIM tools 5, 6 are arranged on a clamping plate 4 or base plate 4 that is common to the movable tool half 3.2 of the injection molding tool 3, so that the respective locking 13 is in the parting plane of the tool half 5.1 , 5.2, 6.1, 6.2 of the RIM tool 5, 6 and the corresponding release of this lock 13 is realized on and with the clamping plate 4 or base plate 4 depending on the process step.

However, there are also plans for which the respective movable tool halves 5.2, 6.2 of the RIM tools 5, 6 have their own clamping plates 4 arranged on the plastics processing machine 1 and are not shown.

Depending on the need, it is provided that in order to open the respective RIM tool 5, 6 the movable tool half 5.2, 6.2 of the RIM tool 5, 6 is offset or simultaneously with the movable tool half 3.2 of the injection molding tool 3, for example via a corresponding additional drive is designed to be movable, not shown, in order to open the respective movable tool half 5.2, 6.2 of the RIM tool 5, 6 at a time offset. The respective movable tool half 5.2, 6.2 of the RIM tool 5, 6 can be individually moved according to the specific arrangement on the movable tool half 3.2 of the injection molding tool 3 or on its own or the common clamping plate 4 or base plate 4.

The schematic representation in Figure 2 shows a plastics processing machine 1 in which an injection molding tool 3 is present, on which a number of identical RIM tools 5, 6 are arranged, tailored to the respective cycle times. On the RIM tools 5, 6 there are locks 13 or locking systems 13 in the parting plane the RIM tool half 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2 is present in order to securely close the respective RIM tools 5, 6 or the mold parting plane when the injection molding machine 1 is open and the injection mold 3 is therefore open. The respective locking system 13 must absorb the forces that arise from the filling pressure and the area of the cavity. The respective clamping plates 4 of the RIM tools 5, 6 are firmly connected to the movable plate 1.2 of the injection molding machine 1. These clamping plates 4 have the task of holding one side of the coupling system 14. Each RIM tool 5, 6 can have its own clamping plate 4. For a simplified setup and setup process, it is advantageous if the injection molding tool 3 and the RIM tools 5, 6 have a common clamping plate 4. The coupling system 14 enables the coupling 14 of the movable tool halves 5.2, 6.2 of the respective RIM tools 5, 6 with the respective clamping plate 4 at least for opening one side of the RIM tools 5, 6, i.e. the movable tool halves 5.2, 6.2 each to be held or released on the clamping plate 4 after the process step, depending on whether the RIM tool 5, 6 has to remain closed or has to be opened or has to remain open for the removal of the finished component 12 and the insertion of the next blank 10 .

The method according to the invention for producing multi-component plastic molded parts, wherein plastic melt 10 for a blank 10 is injected on a plastic processing machine 1 as an injection molding machine 1 into an injection molding tool 3, comprising a fixed tool half 3.1 and a movable tool half 3.2, and then on or around the Blank 10 in a RIM tool 5, 6, comprising a fixed tool half 5.1, 6.1 and a movable tool half 5.2, 6.2, a reactive component mixture 11 is injected, provides that, how Figure 3 shown, in a first cycle the tools 3, 5, 6 are closed and an injection molding process takes place in the injection molding tool 3 as, for example, the first injection molding process of the blank 10, like this Figure 4 is shown. Here, the locks 13 of the fixed and movable tool halves 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2 are inactive O. The coupling 14 in the parting plane of the tool half 5.2, 6.2 to the respective clamping plate 4 is active X.

Closing the injection molding tool 3 with the fixed tool half 3.1 and movable tool half 3.2 as well as the respective RIM tools 5, 6 with the fixed tool halves 5.1, 6.1 and the movable tool halves 5.2, 6.2 involves closing the plastics processing machine 1 as an injection molding machine 1 by moving the movable plate 1.2 in the direction of the fixed plate 1.1 of the injection molding machine 1.

In addition to closing, at least the opening of the injection molding tool 3 involves opening the plastics processing machine 1 as an injection molding machine 1 by moving the movable plate 1.2 away from the fixed plate 1.1 of the injection molding machine 1 and thus by moving the movable tool half 3.2 away from it fixed tool half 3.1.

Depending on the course of the process, in addition to the injection molding tool 3, the RIM tools 5, 6 can be individually moved by moving the movable tool half 5.2, 6.2 and at least in accordance with the movement of the movable plate 1.2 of the injection molding machine 1 and/or the movement of the movable tool half 3.2 of the injection molding tool 3.

To simplify, however, reference is made to the opening and closing of the injection molding tool 3 or the movement of the movable tool half 3.2, which also means that the plastics processing machine 1 as an injection molding machine 1 also opens or closes or the movable plate 1.2 to Opening or closing is moved.

The respective closing or opening movable tool halves 5.2, 6.2 of the respective RIM tool 5, 6 move depending on the process step or cycle in accordance with the movable tool half 3.2 of the injection molding tool 3. Depending on the process step and cycle as well as process duration, the movable tool halves 5.2 remain, 6.2 of the respective RIM tool 5, 6 independently of the opening movable tool half 3.2 of the injection molding tool 3 on the fixed tool half 5.1, 6.1 of the respective RIM tool 5, 6.

In a second bar, as in Figure 5 shown, after the injection molding process, the injection molding tool 3 and a first RIM tool 5 are opened by moving the respective movable tool halves 3.2, 5.2 and a mold is split, the lock 13 of the fixed and movable tool halves 5.1, 5.2 is inactive O. The coupling 14 in the parting plane of the tool half 5.2 to the respective clamping plate 4 is still active the tool half 6.2 is inactive relative to the respective clamping plate 4, the movable tool halves 6.2 are decoupled from the clamping plate 4 or base plate.

The blank 10 is an injection molded part, as in Figure 6 shown, transferred from the fixed tool half 3.1 of the injection molding tool 3 into the fixed tool half 5.1 of the first RIM tool 5, for example removed from the fixed tool half 3.1 of the injection molding tool 3 and inserted into the fixed tool half 5.1. It is also possible for the injection molded part to be transferred from the fixed tool half 3.1 of the injection molding tool 3 into the movable tool half 5.2 of the first RIM tool 5.

The injection molding tool 3 and the first RIM tool 5 then close in a third cycle by moving the respective movable tool halves 3.2, 5.2. In the injection molding tool 3, as in Figure 7 shown, the injection molding process of a blank 10 as a second injection molding process. The RIM process for a combined component 12 takes place in the first RIM tool 5. The locking 13 of the fixed and movable tool halves 5.1, 5.2 is active X. The coupling 14 in the parting plane of the tool half 5.2 to the respective clamping plate 4 is inactive O . The second RIM tool 6 remains closed, with the locks 13 of the fixed and movable tool halves 6.1, 6.2 being active Clamping plate 4 or base plate 4 is decoupled.

In a fourth bar, as in Figure 8 shown, the injection molding tool 3 and a second RIM tool 6 are opened by moving the respective movable tool halves 3.2, 6.2 away from the fixed tool halves 3.1, 6.1. The lock 13 of the fixed and movable tool halves 6.1, 6.2 is inactive O and the coupling 14 in the parting plane of the tool half 6.2 to the respective clamping plate 4 is active X, so that the movable tool halves 6.2 is coupled to the clamping plate 4 or base plate 4.

Meanwhile, as in Figure 8 shown, the first RIM tool 5 is closed for the ongoing RIM process. The locking 13 of the fixed and movable tool halves 5.1, 5.2 is active

The blank 10 is, as in Figure 8 represented, from the fixed or movable Tool half 3.1, 3.2 of the injection molding tool 3 is automatically transferred into the empty or emptied fixed or movable tool half 6.1, 6.2 of the second RIM tool 6.

If the cycles are already repeated as a continuous process, the fixed or movable tool half 6.1, 6.2 of the second RIM tool 6 may not be empty. Therefore, it is accordingly provided that, if necessary, removal of the finished component 12 from the fixed or movable tool half 6.1, 6.2 of the second or further RIM tool 6 is carried out automatically for emptying and thus the fixed or movable tool half 6.1, 6.2 is emptied and then the blank 10 is inserted into the emptied stationary tool half 6.1.

In a fifth bar, as in Figure 9 shown, the injection molding tool 3 and the second RIM tool 6 are closed by moving the movable tool half 6.2. The injection molding process as a third injection molding process now takes place in the injection molding tool 3 and a new RIM process takes place in the second RIM tool 6. The locking 13 of the fixed and movable tool halves 6.1, 6.2 is active for this purpose x and the coupling 14 in the parting plane the tool half 6.2 to the respective clamping plate 4 is inactive, so that the movable tool halves 6.2 is decoupled from the clamping plate 4 or base plate 4.

Meanwhile, as in Figure 9 shown, the first RIM tool 5 is closed for the ongoing RIM process. The locking 13 of the fixed and movable tool halves 5.1, 5.2 is active

A RIM process is now running in both RIM tools 5, 6. The sequence of bars forms a cycle that can run continuously.

Become a sixth bar, as in Figure 10 shown, the injection molding tool 3 and the first RIM tool 5 are opened by moving the respective movable tool halves 3.2, 5.2. The lock 13 of the fixed and movable tool halves 5.1, 5.2 is inactive O and the coupling 14 in the parting plane of the tool half 5.2 to the respective clamping plate 4 is active X, so that the movable tool halves 5.2 is coupled to the clamping plate 4 or base plate 4.

Meanwhile, as in Figure 10 shown, the second RIM tool 6 for the yet ongoing RIM process closed. The locking 13 of the fixed and movable tool halves 6.1, 6.2 is active

The blank 10 is, as in Figure 10 shown, for example automatically transferred from the fixed tool half 3.1 of the injection molding tool 3 into the empty or emptied fixed tool half 5.1 of the first RIM tool 5, with the first finished component 12 of this cycle also being removed from the movable tool half 5.2 of the first RIM tool 5 is removed automatically.

It is advantageously provided that the blank 10 is inserted from the fixed or movable tool half 3, 1, 3.2 of the injection molding tool 3 into the free movable or fixed tool half 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2 of one of the RIM tools 5, 6 , while the finished component 12 is being emptied or removed from the other tool half 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2 of this RIM tool 5, 6, so that the transfer and removal can take place automatically simultaneously, as shown in Figure 10 is shown.

This process repeats itself as a cycle from the third measure onwards.

According to the third cycle, the injection molding tool 3 and the first RIM tool 5 close by moving the respective movable tool halves 3.2, 5.2. In the injection molding tool 3, as in Figure 11 shown, the injection molding process of a blank 10 as the fourth injection molding process. The RIM process for a combined component 12 takes place in the first RIM tool 5. The second RIM tool 6 remains closed, with the locks 13 of the fixed and movable tool halves 6.1, 6.2 being active X and the coupling 14 in the parting plane the tool half 6.2 to the respective clamping plate 4 is inactive O, the movable tool halves 6.2 are decoupled from the clamping plate 4 or base plate 4. The locking, unlocking, coupling or decoupling of the two RIM tools 5, 6 is as above Figure 7 or to the third bar.

In Figure 12 is shown in accordance with the fourth cycle that the injection molding tool 3 and the second RIM tool 6 are opened by moving the respective movable tool halves 3.2, 6.2, while the first RIM tool 5 remains closed and the blank 10 from the fixed tool half 3 ,1, of the injection molding tool 3 into the empty or emptied fixed tool half 6.1, 6.2 of the second RIM tool 6 is transferred automatically. The finished component 12 is automatically removed here, for example, from the movable tool half 6.2 of the second RIM tool 6. The locking, unlocking, coupling or decoupling of the two RIM tools 5, 6 is as above Figure 8 or to the fourth bar.

This is followed by bars 5 and 6 and, continuing as a cycle, bars 3 to 6.

The respective locking of the fixed and movable tool halves 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2 of the respective RIM tool 5, 6 as well as the coupling of the respective movable tool halves 5.2, 6.2 of the respective RIM tool 5, 6 to the movable tool half 3.2 of the injection molding tool 3 or on another structural element of the plastics processing machine 1, such as its own clamping plate 4 or a common clamping plate 4 on the movable tool half 3.2 of the injection molding tool 3, depending on the injection molding cycle time and RIM cycle time, so that an adapted control for one synchronous movement of the respective movable tool halves 3.2, 5.2, 6.2 is made possible.

The transfer of the blank 10 produced by injection molding from the injection molding tool 3 into the RIM tools 5, 6 and the removal of the finished component 12 from the respective RIM tools 5, 6 can be done either manually or automatically.

In Figure 13 a plastics processing machine 1 is shown, in which an injection molding tool 3 is present, on which a RIM tool 5 is arranged. On the RIM tool 5 there is a lock 13 or a locking system 13 in the parting plane of the RIM tool half 5.1, 5.2 in order to securely close the RIM tool 5 or the mold parting plane if necessary when the injection molding machine 1 and thus the injection molding tool 3 are open close. If individual closing of the RIM tool 5 or the mold parting plane is not necessary, the lock 13 or the locking system 13 can be dispensed with, as this reduces the design effort when using only one RIM tool 5. If a locking system 13 is present, it must absorb the forces caused by the filling pressure and the area of the cavity. The clamping plate 4 of the RIM tool 5 is firmly connected to the movable plate 1.2 of the injection molding machine 1. This clamping plate 4 also has the task of one side of the to accommodate any existing coupling system 14. The RIM tool 5 can have its own clamping plate 4. For a simplified setup and setup process, it is advantageous if the injection molding tool 3 and the RIM tool 5 have a common clamping plate 4. The coupling system 14, if present, enables the coupling 14 of the movable tool half 5.2 of the RIM tool 5 with the clamping plate 4 at least for opening one side of the RIM tool 5, 6, i.e. the movable tool half 5.2 depending on the process step on the clamping plate 4 to hold or release, depending on whether the RIM tool 5 has to remain closed or has to be opened or has to remain open for the removal of the finished component 12 and the insertion of the next blank 10.

In a simplified alternative not according to the invention, one method provides that for the production of multi-component plastic moldings on a plastics processing machine 1 according to the invention as an injection molding machine 1 in an injection molding tool 3, comprising a fixed tool half 3.1 and a movable tool half 3.2, plastic melt 10 for a blank 10 is injected and then a reactive component mixture 11 is injected onto or around the blank 10 in a RIM tool 5 comprising a fixed tool half 5.1 and a movable tool half 5.2, the tools 3, 5 being closed in a first cycle and in the injection molding tool 3 an injection molding process takes place as, for example, the first injection molding process of the blank 10, like this Figure 14 is shown. Here, the locks 13 of the fixed and movable tool halves 5.1, 5.2 are inactive O. The coupling 14 in the parting plane of the tool half 5.2, 6.2 to the respective clamping plate 4 is active X.

In a second bar, as in Figure 15 shown, after the injection molding process, the injection molding tool 3 and a first RIM tool 5 are opened by moving the respective movable tool halves 3.2, 5.2 and a mold is split, the locks 13 of the fixed and movable tool halves 5.1, 5.2 are inactive O. The coupling 14 in the parting plane of the tool half 5.2, 6.2 to the respective clamping plate 4 is active X.

The blank 10 is an injection molded part, as in Figure 15 shown, transferred from the fixed tool half 3.1 of the injection molding tool 3 into the fixed tool half 5.1 of the RIM tool 5, for example removed from the fixed tool half 3.1 of the injection molding tool 3 and inserted into the fixed tool half 5.1. It is also possible that the injection molded part comes from the fixed mold half 3.1 of the injection molding tool 3 is transferred into the movable tool half 5.2 of the RIM tool 5.

The injection molding tool 3 and the RIM tool 5 then close in a third cycle by moving the movable tool halves 3.2, 5.2. In the injection molding tool 3, as in Figure 16 shown, the injection molding process of a blank 10 as a second injection molding process. The RIM process for a combined component 12 takes place in the RIM tool 5. The locking 13 of the fixed and movable tool halves 5.1, 5.2 is active However, X can also remain active.

Become a fourth bar, as in Figure 17 shown, the injection molding tool 3 and the RIM tool 5 are opened by moving the respective movable tool halves 3.2, 5.2. The lock 13 of the fixed and movable tool halves 5.1, 5.2 is inactive O and the coupling 14 in the parting plane of the tool half 5.2 to the respective clamping plate 4 is active X, so that the movable tool halves 5.2 is coupled to the clamping plate 4 or base plate 4.

The blank 10 is, as in Figure 17 shown, for example automatically transferred from the fixed tool half 3.1 of the injection molding tool 3 into the empty or emptied fixed tool half 5.1 of the first RIM tool 5, with the first finished component 12 of this cycle also being automated from the movable tool half 5.2 of the RIM tool 5 is removed.

It is also advantageously provided that the insertion of the blank 10 from the fixed or movable tool half 3.1, 3.2 of the injection molding tool 3 into the free movable or fixed tool half 5.1, 5.2 of the RIM tool 5 takes place while the emptying or the removal of the finished component 12 from the other tool half 5.1, 5.2, of the RIM tool 5 takes place, so that the transfer and removal can take place automatically and simultaneously, as shown in Figure 17 is shown.

This process repeats itself as a cycle from the third measure onwards.

According to the third cycle, the injection molding tool 3 and the RIM tool 5 close by moving the respective movable tool halves 3.2, 5.2. In the injection molding tool 3, as in Figure 16 shown, the injection molding process of a blank 10 as the fourth injection molding process. The RIM process for a combined component 12 takes place in the RIM tool 5.

Compilation of reference symbols

1 -

plastic processing machine, injection molding machine

1.1 -

fixed plate of the injection molding machine

1.2 -

movable plate of injection molding machine

3 -

Injection molding tool

3.1 -

fixed tool half of the injection molding tool

3.2 -

movable tool half of the injection molding tool

4 -

Clamping plate, base plate

5 -

RIM tool, first RIM tool, another RIM tool

5.1 -

RIM tool, fixed tool half, first RIM tool

5.2 -

RIM tool, movable tool half first RIM tool

6 -

RIM tool, second RIM tool, another RIM tool

6.1 -

RIM tool, fixed tool half, second RIM tool

6.2 -

RIM tool, movable tool half, second RIM tool

10 -

Thermoplastic component, plastic melt, blank

11 -

RIM component, reactive component mixture, polyurethane

12 -

combined component, component

13 -

Locking in the parting plane of the RIM tool half, locking system

14 -

Coupling in the parting plane RIM tool half clamping plate, coupling system

X -

Locking active, coupling active

O-

Locking inactive, coupling inactive

Claims (13)

1. Method for producing multi-component plastic mouldings, wherein in a plastic-processing machine (1) polymer melt (10) for a moulded piece (10) is injected into an injection mould (3) comprising a stationary mould half (3.1) and a movable mould half (3.2). 2), polymer melt (10) for a moulded piece (10) is injected and subsequently a reactive component mixture (11) is injected on or around the moulded piece (10) in a RIM mould (5, 6) arranged on the plastic-processing machine (1), comprising a stationary mould half (5.1, 6.2) and a movable mould half (5.2, 6.2),
   characterised in

   - that in a first cycle, the moulds (3, 5, 6) are closed and an injection moulding process for producing a first moulded piece (10) takes place in the injection mould (3),

   - that in a second cycle the injection mould (3) and a first RIM mould (5) are opened by moving the respective movable mould halves (3.2, 5. 2), while at least a second or further RIM mould (6) remains closed and the first moulded piece (10) is transferred from the stationary or movable mould half (3.1, 3.2) of the injection mould (3) into the stationary or movable mould half (5.1, 5.2) of the first RIM mould (5),

   - that in a third cycle, the injection mould (3) and the first or a further RIM mould (5) are closed by moving the respective movable mould halves (3.2, 5.2) and a further injection moulding process takes place in the injection mould (3) to produce a second or further moulded piece (10) and a RIM process takes place in the first or further RIM mould (5) for further processing of the first moulded piece (10) to form a finished component (12),

   - that in a fourth cycle, the injection mould (3) and the second or further RIM mould (6) are opened by moving the respective movable mould halves (3.2, 6.2), while at least the first or further RIM mould (5) remains closed and the second moulded piece (10a) is removed from the stationary or movable mould half (3.1, 3.2) of the injection mould (3.1, 3.2) of the injection mould (3) into the empty or emptied stationary or movable mould half (6.1, 6.2) of the second or further RIM mould (6), wherein for emptying a removal of the finished component (12) from the stationary or movable mould half (6.1, 6.2) of the second or further RIM mould (6) takes place,

   - that in a fifth cycle, the injection mould (3) and the second or further RIM mould (6) are closed by moving the respective movable mould halves (3.2, 6.2) and the injection moulding process in the injection mould (3) for producing a third moulded piece (10) and a RIM process in the second or further RIM mould (6) for further processing of the second moulded piece (10b) to form a finished component (12) take place,

   - that in a sixth cycle, the injection mould (3) and the first or a further RIM mould (5) are opened by moving the respective movable mould halves (3.2, 5.2), while the second or further RIM mould (6) remains closed and the third moulded piece (10) is removed from the stationary or movable mould half (3.1, 3.2) of the injection mould (3). 2) of the injection mould (3) into the empty or emptied stationary or movable mould half (5.1, 5.2) of the first or a still further RIM mould (5), wherein for emptying a removal of the finished component (12) from the stationary or movable mould half (5.1, 5.2) of the first or further RIM mould (5) takes place,

   - and that the sequence is then repeated as a cycle starting from the third cycle.
2. Method according to claim 1,
   characterised in
   that the respective closing or opening movable mould halves (5.2, 6.2) of the respective RIM mould (5, 6) move with the movable mould half (3.2) of the injection mould (3) and/or in that the movable mould halves (5. 2, 6.2) of the respective RIM mould (5, 6) remain on the stationary mould half (5.1, 6.1) of the respective RIM mould (5, 6) independently of the opening movable mould half (3.2) of the injection mould (3).
3. Method according to one of the claims 1 and 2,
   characterised in
   that an interlocking of the stationary and movable mould halves (5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2) of the respective RIM mould (5, 6) and/or a coupling of the respective movable mould halves (5.2, 6. 2) of the respective RIM mould (5, 6) to the movable mould half (3.2) of the injection mould (3) or to another structural element of the plastic-processing machine (1) takes place as a function of the injection moulding cycle time and RIM cycle time.
4. Method according to one of the claims 1 to 3,
   characterised in
   that the moving or transferring of the moulded piece (10) between and/or the emptying of the stationary or movable mould halves (3.1, 3.2, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2) is automated.
5. Apparatus for producing multi-component plastic mouldings, wherein an injection mould (3), comprising a stationary and a movable mould half (3.1, 3.2), and a RIM mould (5), each comprising a movable and a stationary mould half (5.1, 5.2), are present on a plastic-processing machine (5.1, 5.2), whereby the stationary mould half (5.1) of the RIM mould (5) is arranged adjacent to the stationary mould half (3.1) of the injection mould (3) radially to the closing direction of the movable mould halves (3.2, 5.2),
   characterised in
   that the movable mould half (5.2) of the RIM mould (5) is designed to be closed simultaneously with the movable mould half (3.2) of the injection mould (3), wherein the RIM mould halves (5.1, 5.2) are designed to be lockable to one another independently of the injection mould (3) and the movable mould half (3.2) of the injection mould (3) is designed to be movable for opening without or with the movable mould half (5.2) of the RIM mould (5).
6. Apparatus for producing multi-component plastic mouldings, wherein, on a plastic-processing machine (1), an injection mould (3), comprising a stationary and a movable mould half (3.1, 3.2), and at least two RIM moulds (5, 6), each comprising a movable and a stationary mould half (5. 1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2), are present, wherein the stationary tool halves (5.1, 6.1) of the RIM moulds (5, 6) are arranged adjacent to the stationary mould half (3.1) of the injection mould (3) radially to the closing direction of the movable tool halves (3.2, 5.2, 6.2),
   characterised in
   that the movable mould halves (5.2, 6.2) of the RIM moulds (5, 6) are designed to be closed simultaneously with the movable mould half (3.2) of the injection mould (3), whereby the RIM mould halves (5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2) are designed to be lockable to one another independently of the injection mould (3) and the movable mould half (3.2) of the injection mould (3) is designed to be movable for opening without or with at least one of the movable mould halves (5.2, 6.2) of the RIM moulds (5, 6).
7. Apparatus according to one of the claims 5 and 6,
   characterised in
   that the stationary and movable tool halves (5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2) of the respective RIM moulds (5, 6) are designed to be individually lockable.
8. Apparatus according to one of the claims 5 to 7,
   characterised in
   that the respective movable tool halves (5.2, 6.2) of the RIM moulds (5, 6) are designed or coupled directly or indirectly to the movable mould half (3.2) of the injection mould (3) or to another structural element of the plastic-processing machine (1) to be coupled or connected.
9. Apparatus according to one of the claims 5 to 8,
   characterised in
   that the respective movable mould halves (5.2, 6.2) of the RIM moulds (5, 6) are arranged on or in each case on their own clamping plate (4) or a base plate (4) common to the movable mould half (3.2) of the injection mould (3).
10. Apparatus according to one of the claims 5 to 9,
    characterised in
    that, for opening the respective RIM mould (5, 6), the movable mould half (5.2, 6.2) of the RIM mould (5, 6) is designed to be moved offset or simultaneously with the movable mould half (3.2) of the injection mould (3) and/or by means of its own or the common clamping plate (4) or base plate (4).
11. Apparatus according to one of the claims 5 to 10,
    characterised in
    that the RIM mould (5) or the RIM moulds (5, 6) are each provided offset laterally and/or above and/or below the injection mould (3).
12. Apparatus according to one of the claims 5 to 11,
    characterised in
    that a non-positive and/or positive locking, for example as a mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically driven wedge system or a magnetic locking, is provided as locking of the movable and stationary tool halves (5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2) of the respective RIM moulds (5, 6).
13. Apparatus according to one of the claims 5 to 12,
    characterised in
    that the movable mould half (5.2, 6.2) of the respective RIM moulds (5, 6) is designed to be detachably coupled to the respective clamping plate (4) or base plate (4), wherin a non-positive and/or positive coupling is provided, for example as a mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically driven coupling, or a magnetic coupling.

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